Food and Travel

Gazebo
Are you dreaming of having a breakfast or brunch along the beach?


Gazebo Maui is the answer!


First, you'll be greeted with this standby coffee shop outside while waiting in lines. 






Usually, lines are longer than this line, but keep waiting patiently to get seats will pay off by their sumptous dishes. Additionally, you'll never be out of patience when you see the 180 degrees of ocean views, but only gets hungrier. 









Because of all the beautiful views, you forget that you are here to eat. You forget that it's your turn to have seat and have breakfast or lunch.



I did not post any of their dishes, because I don't want you to get starving and coming to Maui without plans :). But you can check out their sites at

http://www.mauihawaii.org/restaurants/gazebo.htm or watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOPDRC8oxZE.

I hope next time you visit to Maui, try Gazebo. They have good and delicious food, and affordable.




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Never too late for Chocolate Hills

Brief History:
No one knows exactly how Chocolate Hills are formed. No clear scientific evidence and explanation how these Hills formed the way it is. But there are many legends about how the Hills created. There are at least 1,260 Hills spread in 50 square kilometers. Chocolate Hills are located in Barangay Buenos Aires Carmen Bohol 5 kilometer from the proper town of Carmen and 55 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City.

The Adventure:
One of my Philippine adventure 2012 is going to Mala Pascua Island. Since I visited to Bohol, I have the chance to take a sight on Chocolate Hills. I am intrigued for I've only seen the place on some pictures and posters, and heard about the hills on my Philippine Social class in grade school and high school. It seems that every one has been done visiting the place. I imagine how it looks on real pictures, so I never hesitate to visit Chocolate Hills. It is never too late to visit the wonder nature; Chocolate Hills. 

From Cebu, we take a 2 hours on the ferry to Tagbilaran City. I stayed one night in Tagbilaran City before going to Chocolate Hills, I visited my friend first in Carmen before proceeding to the place the next morning.

In order for me to see the 360 degrees, I cummuted a motor bike going to the resort on top of one of the hills that developed by local Government. The resort is about 100 meters away from the national high way. As I reached the place, the mesmerizing smells of fresh greenery excites me. The 360 degrees of unexplainable landscape awaken my curiosity.  I am amaze of  how the mountain is shaped on a perfect cone, how it happened that it is not just one hill but many of them in different heights and sizes.
Amazing landscape of Chocolate Hills
With this view, it seems infinite. It feels like persuading me to forget my worries and stresses. The abundant greenery freshen me up and charging my energy. It has something that magnetizing to release negative energy. The sound of whistling winds and sound of the forest; birds and crickets let my sense of hearing tickles.
View from our room

View from the Top
Entrance to the Hotel


How to get there:
If you are in a tour package you need not to worry where to commute, but for those who are commuting, from Tagbilaran City near Island City Mall there are bus station going to Chocolate Hills. If you are from the airport just tell the taxi driver to drop you off to the bus station near the Island City Mall same when you are from Tagbilaran Ferry terminal.

Where to Stay: 
No other hotel on the area except the one and only Chocolate Hills.

Where to Dine:
When you are in this area the Hotel downstair offer some Filipino foods.

The confession:
I extremely have fun with my experience in Chocolate Hills, It's never too late because   even I don't know how it formed but the beauty and mystery helps me appreciate the nature. If I have enough vacation time I would love to come back to Bohol and explore one more time Chocolate Hills and their old churches.

The area needs proper maintenance or needs additional facilities like putting badmenton or tennis court for activities.

Traveler's Note:
1. Only Filipino food is available in their  cafe.
2. Be healthy and ready to climb the 214 steps going on top of the viewing deck.
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Quicky tour @ Ala Moana

Brief History:
On January 18, 1778 O'ahu was the first of the Hawaiian Islands sigthed by explorer led by Captain James Cook .

December 7, 1941, the opening battle of world war II and attacked on Pearl Harbor.

O'ahu is knowa as "The Gathering Place" is the third largest and most populous Island of Hawaii. It become a tourism and shopping haven especially the Honolulu which is the capital city of O'ahu.
Tourist attractions
Top beaches

Attractions




 




The Adventure:
Anyways, I woke up at six o'clock this morning. I have my freshly brewed coffee and omelet with bacon, cheese, celery, green bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. I woke up early because I have very important appoinment in Honolulu. So I need to fly from Maui, the government agency don't have an office here. It takes 32 minutes by plane to arrive in Honolulu Inter-Island Airport, no other source of transportation going there from Maui. My flight is 8:13 in the morning and arrived at 8:45am. My return flight is 2:45 in the afternoon of the same day. So I only have few hours to stroll along the City.

 
It was windy and rainy morning when I get to the airport. When I checked inside, I waited at the lounge for an hour before the TSA open the gate. The big woman ahead of me was frustrated because everytime she tried to get inside, the metal detector alarmed. 

view from my window seat. West side of Maui.
                          The plane is small, the smallest plane that I've ever flown to. We are only 17 passengers on board that morning. I seated at the left side on the back seat near the window so I can see the views. The views below are Molokai and O'ahu Islands.

Molokai Island facing to north west of Maui
Molokai Island
O'ahu
Ready for the landing

Honolulu inter-island arrival area, Pacific wing.
 

 

From the airport to my appoinment it is only about 5 miles and travel time of 14 minutes by taxi. But I ride a bus because I knew already the place. The taxi cost about 30$ or more. So, I saved a lot of money. After my appoinment that only took less than 20 minutes for fingerprints and photo I.D, I went to Ala Moana shopping mall just 5 minutes by bus. The bus fare is $2.50 per ride and free ride for transfer within two hours. I used the transfer fare from my appoinment to the shopping mall.


U.S Department of Homeland Security at Ala Moana,  Honolulu.

 this is where my appointment this morning at 4th floor. I arrived 45 minutes earlier than my appointment at 11 am. I did not wait until 11 am to get the fingerprints and photo I.D, the staff called my name and start the process as soon as I finished filling up the paper.








  My appointment was done and ready to go to the mall. I arrived at Ala Moana shopping center with anxiety because I only have few hours before going back to the airport, I didn't have enough time to shop and buy what I want.


  But I enjoy mysefl taking photographs.








I have almost two hours roaming around the big mall, until I was hungry. So after my lunch I stroll once again at the mall and then when I checked the time, I went outside waiting for the bus going back to the airport.
Molokai Island
southeast of Molokai



West maui

Taking Off to Maui









http://www1.honolulu.gov/dts/fares.htm

O'ahu
Where to Stay: 
I am neither a professional concierge nor a professional tourist guide but I love to travel. I can give you some information that might be helpful for you.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60982-zfc5-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii-Hotels.html

http://www.expedia.com/Honolulu-Hotels.d1488.Travel-Guide-Hotels

http://www.hotels.com/de1431094/hotels-honolulu-hawaii/

Where to Dine:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/37/3603/Hawaii/Downtown-Honolulu-restaurants

If you want to check out the best award winning restuarant in 2012 in Honolulu, check this out. http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/January-2012/2012-Hale-Aina-Award-Winners/

The Confession:
I confess that when I was at the Mall, I did not enjoy my time because I was worried that I might be late going back to the airport. 

Traveler's Note:
1. If you want to ride a bus take number 20 bus from the airport going to the Ala Moana Boulevard.
2. If from Ala Moana Boulevard to the Airport take number 19 bus.
3. Always bring a map
4. Organize your time 
5. Bring Camera  
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The Hidden Desire: Panglao Island

Brief History:
In 1803, Spanish explorer came to the shore of Panglao in search for fresh water. The Panglao native called their place "Paggaw". Panglao was known to Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, and Siamese traders.

Panglao is an island in the Philippines located in the central Visayas with an area of 80.5 sq. kilometer. It is located southwest of the Island of Bohol, 15 minutes from Tagbilaran City.

The adventure:
I am always having fun visiting new places, who else does not? exploring is like a box of chocolates, you  never know what you'll get until you open it.
You'll never know until you completely explore the place. That is the exciting part, exploring what's the best destination of one place. And get intimate with its nature; the landscape, the oceans, the mountains, and the people.

Panglao island is one of my best destination in Bohol. My ancestors was from Jagna, Bohol. So it is nice to reconnect and get to know where my ancestors came from. 


From the pictures taken, are one of my best location in Panglao. It is 15 minutes away from Tagbilaran City. This is the under development residential area on the very top of the mountain. My Mom loves this place, for me I do fall in love with this 180 degrees of breathtaking fresh view.



I imagine myself living here; having a cup of starbucks coffee or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the morning, reading the news paper while sipping my hot cup of favorite freshly brewed coffee, enjoying the unpolluted air. And before sunset; while hanging up with a few close friends sipping with my favorite red wine merlot, friends are grilling tenderloin pork steak. Enjoying while waiting for the last rays of the sun. Nephews and nieces are running around outside the house enjoy playing with each other. This area is really a safe place. Ideal for me and for vacationer.  
... I think I will have peace of mind with contented life here.




Down the beach, five to ten minutes walk from the mountain top; I love seeing myself here walking down the shore and have early exercise and meditation. Or every sunday, inviting families and friends for picnic after church.




How to get there:
To get in Panglao Island is more easy when you are already in Tagbilaran. After you get out of the City going South East, there are two bridges connecting from Bohol main to Panglao Island.

Where to stay:
There are many to choose from to stay in Panglao and in Duis. You can choose the perfect spot in the websites below.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1036817-Panglao_Island_Bohol_Province_Visayas-Hotels.html

http://www.booking.com/city/ph/panglao.en.html?aid=306395;label=panglao-hvp_M6xozmFpOKkzr3OIrwS8169169469:pl:ta:p115:p2:ac:ap1t2:neg;ws=&gclid=CMmFzuTomrQCFaN_Qgod8GUA4g

Where to dine:
You can choose anything under the sun; from sunrise to sunset until midnight. Just check the sites below.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1036817-d1024843-Reviews-Linaw_Beach_Resort_and_Restaurant-Panglao_Island_Bohol_Province_Visayas.html

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Bohol/Panglao_Island-1387326/Restaurants-Panglao_Island-TG-C-1.html

Adventure confession:
My mom's confession that this island make her worry free, I can see she do loves it.
My confession, I have hidden desire to live here. No pollution, not crowded, and have beautiful ocean. How I wish that the residents here will preserve its natural beauty of the Island. I want to live here in the near future.....

Traveler's note:
  1. Panglao is already explored and with the coming airport opening soon.
  2. Very safe place and private.
  3. Only 15 minutes to Tagbilaran City.
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The Unexplored beauty: Malapascua Island

Brief History:
Malapascua Island was named by some Spaniards, a traveler who was stranded to this island on December 25, 1520 because of the bad weather. The Spaniards called the island Mala Pascua which means "Bad Easter" because of their misadventure that having to spend Christmas  away from their comrades and family stuck in a gloomy island. 

Malapascua is a tiny island of only about 1.6 miles long and 0.62 mile wide and has eight small villages. The island has just discovered lately in the early 90's.

The adventure:
 As part of my vacation to the Philippines last June 2012, I traveled Cebu first. My main purpose for the Cebu and Bohol trip is to find an overlooking resident area. I have some reliable contact broker that helped me guide to visit the area. We visited two locations; one is in Vista Grande Cebu, which is highland and the other is in Santa Jose Maria. Both are nice locations, but I also consider the safety. I felt that Cebu is already a crowded place. So, I did not have the choice I like. After my obligations done, it's time for me to have some fun! It's Malapascua time.

It is three o'clock the next morning when the alarm rung,  I still partly awake and sleepy, but I am excited to wake up. Our service driver and at the same time our tour guide is also ready. So we take our morning coffee first to help us awake and help us get started. The coffee has no effect, I slept part of the travel. :) Then when I regained from my sleepiness I started to have a joy ride. There are parts of the road that are not yet cemented going north of Cebu, so expect to have a bumpy ride. The three hours drive make my butt hurts and my legs cramped. It is such a long dusty drive, but I enjoyed the sight seeing to each places we passed by.

On the Daangbantayan, a small town of Maya in northern tip of Cebu, the small boat is situated going to the Malapascua Island. We arrived at around seven o'clock in the morning at the boat terminal. We waited for awhile for other passengers to come before the ferry depart. The fare is about $10 (400pesos per person) round trip, that is reasonable. But the bad thing is that the small boat or the ferry has no safety gadgets and navigated by experienced locals. On the ferry, the passengers are mostly foreigners. One passenger brought his mountain bike going to the island. The ocean is pretty rough of about 20-40 knots per hour. My mom got nerves, but I had some fun. 

When we arrived at Malapascua, I started to go down from the ferry and feel the small waves welcoming us. It has a white sand beach with crystal blue waters. There are also some people waiting to ride back to main Island of Cebu. Their last trip is every 4:00 o'clock before the current of the ocean went too strong. As what I've heard from locals, there were lots of boat sunk due to bad weather and rough seas, so we decided to go back before 4pm.

captured from the ferry  
captured from Southern part of Malapascua Island.

I love the print on that ferry
Malapascua Island has its own magnificent beauty with the ryhtm of the ocean that are yet to discover worldwide. There are already few tourists visited the island, but the island is not yet well known not like Boracay. The island were isolated; there were only few Villages, the electricity is powered by generator, and no hospital on the island. The prices of basic needs are high due to shipments needed, I wondered how locals survived here aside from their economy from tourism.
Ferry in Malapascua Island (ferry Station)



There are lots of divers who explored the oceans in Malapascua Island and bikers who explore the inland.
On the ferry going to Mala Pascua Island
white sand beach
captured from the ferry (our way back to Daangbantayan)






How to get there:
From Cebu City Down town you can ride a bus going north of Cebu or for private transportation; the first City after Cebu is the Liloan, then Danao City, Sogod, Borbon and Tabugon before Bogo City. Turn right on Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daan Bantayan Road. Before approaching the the ferry terminal, you can hardly see where is the ferry station because the road is narrow. Do not hesitate to ask the locals, they are very friendly to tell you what boat going to Malapascua Island.

Where to stay:
Please check these websites to find the best place for you.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-us.html?aid=306395;label=malapascua-HqznC8bZranRUc1eg2ppeAS8169132629%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap110%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t2%3Aneg;sid=63d44847d298badcf1ffb4b03974975a;dcid=1;city=900048630;redirected_from_city=1;src=city


http://www.agoda.com/asia/philippines/cebu/maps/malapascua_island.html?type=1&site_id=1430286&url=http://www.agoda.com/asia/philippines/cebu/maps/malapascua_island.html&tag=7f6494f8-e88c-47fe-9629-2d49ea7f9fa5&gclid=CMTn2MDkmrQCFYp_QgodXX0AUQ&cklg=1

http://www.mycebuguide.com/cebu-hotel-locations/Malapascua.html

Where to dine:
They have Italian, mexican, and local foods. Check out the site below for more information to choose from.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g659555-Malapascua_Island_Cebu_Visayas.html

The confession:
Went back home before four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day to avoid danger cause by waves. The ocean was really roughed of about 30 knots per hour. My mom's adventure confession was that she prayed 10 Our father, 10 Hail Mary, and 10 Glory Be. While I was really enjoyed the ups and downs of the ferry due to the waves. My brother's confession was that he was afraid that the boat disintegrate.. :)


Traveler's note:
  1. Plan ahead and study the road map going there to save time. Estimate how far and how long it would take you there. Calculate the time by dividing distance over velocity, t=d/v, to estimate the exact time. Or if you want to estimate the distance make a calculation by multiplying velocity and time, d=vt. By this, you will know you are in exact and correct place.  When you travel far from your calculated time or distance, you went too far in that place. This technique is applicable anywhere. 
  2. Bring road map for this place.
  3. It is three to four hours drive from the Cebu City.
  4. No nice restaurant past along Cebu City, need to pack for foods and snackies.
  5. No Toilets along the road, so far I only found one at the Gas station, be prepare. You know what I mean. 
  6. Don't forget to bring first aid kit.
  7. Fourty-five minutes to one hour from Daanbantayan to Mala Pascua Island, small boats have no life jackets and any safety gadgets.
  8. The Island has no hospital and no physician, so be aware of your own personal safety and precautions. 
  9. Lastly, don't forget to bring cameras for capturing the beautiful views.

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